Faculty Papers

J.M. Aldrich Diaries (UA 53.14)

The J.M. Aldrich Diaries document the student years of John Merton Aldrich (1866-1934), an early graduate of Dakota Agricultural College and a future leader in American entomology. Enrolling in 1885 as the institution’s first student to specialize in zoological sciences, Aldrich graduated in 1888 during the college’s first formal commencement. He later earned advanced degrees from the University of Kansas and a Ph.D. from Stanford University, becoming an internationally recognized authority on North American Diptera and serving as custodian of Diptera at the Smithsonian Institution. His scientific legacy includes extensive publications, leadership in the Entomological Society of America and the donation of a major insect collection to the National Museum of Natural History.

The collection consists of three diary volumes covering the academic years 1885-88, which Aldrich later transcribed and annotated between 1930 and 1932. Organized in daily entries, the diaries recount his coursework, travel between Minnesota and Brookings, laboratory work and observations of campus and territorial life during the college’s formative years. References to administrative transitions, including the replacement of President George Lilley by Lewis McLouth, situate the narrative within broader institutional developments. Together, the diaries provide a rare first-person account of student life at a frontier land-grant college and offer valuable insight into the early academic culture of Dakota Agricultural College.

Ruth Ann Alexander Papers (UA 53.22)

The Ruth Ann Alexander Papers document the academic career, scholarship and public service of Ruth Ann Alexander (1924-2010), longtime professor of English at South Dakota State University and the first woman to chair its English Department. A specialist in American intellectual history, Alexander introduced SDSU’s first courses on women writers as well as African American and Native American literature, and chaired the committee that established the women’s studies major. The collection includes correspondence, course materials, speeches, manuscripts, grant files and research notes that reflect her work as a teacher, department leader and advocate for curricular reform and gender equity.

The papers also document Alexander’s extensive public engagement, including her service on the Brookings School Board and the South Dakota Commission on the Status of Women, where she contributed to policy discussions on equal rights and educational equity. Files related to her Chautauqua portrayals of Elizabeth Cady Stanton, her writings on South Dakota women writers and Episcopal Church history, and her long-running newspaper column further illustrate her role as a public scholar. Together, these materials provide a significant resource for studying the development of women’s studies, feminist activism and public humanities work in South Dakota during the late 20th century.

Allen Barnes Papers (UA 53.3)

The Allen Barnes Papers document the career and leadership of Allen Barnes at South Dakota State University, particularly his service as dean of the College of Arts and Sciences from 1967-85. The collection reflects his efforts to strengthen the liberal arts, expand international education and promote faculty scholarship within a land-grant university context.

Materials include records related to the 1981 Centennial Celebration, documenting lectures, performances, alumni engagement and departmental histories coordinated through the College of Arts and Sciences. The papers also contain substantial documentation on the early planning and advocacy for a campus Performing Arts Center. Together, these records illustrate Barnes’ role in shaping academic programs, institutional celebrations and cultural development at SDSU in the late 20th century.

Donald Berg Papers (UA 53.47)

The papers of professor Donald Berg document his career as a geographer and historian at South Dakota State University and his sustained engagement with American Indian history and regional issues. The collection primarily consists of records from the Conference on American Indian History and Culture, including materials from the first through 18th annual conferences held between 1993 and 2010.

Additional materials include Berg’s research files on the Dakota, Minnesota and Eastern Railroad, focusing on railroad safety, environmental impact and proposed expansion projects in South Dakota and the Upper Midwest. Together, the papers reflect Berg’s application of historical and geographic research to public, environmental and infrastructure concerns.

Sherwood O. Berg Papers (UA 53.13)

The Sherwood O. Berg Papers document the life and career of Sherwood O. Berg, an agricultural economist, international policy leader and President Emeritus of South Dakota State University. Raised near Hendrum, Minnesota, Berg’s early experience in agriculture and 4-H shaped a career that spanned military service in World War II, advanced study at South Dakota State College, Cornell University and the University of Minnesota, and diplomatic work as U.S. Agricultural Attaché in Europe. In 1965, President Lyndon B. Johnson appointed Berg chair of the National Advisory Commission on Food and Fiber, which evaluated U.S. agricultural and trade policy during a pivotal period of global economic change. Berg later returned to SDSU as its first alumnus president (1975-84), guiding institutional growth, expanding international partnerships and strengthening endowed academic support.

The collection contains correspondence, policy drafts, research files, hearing transcripts, reports, speeches, administrative records and photographs spanning the 1940s through the early 2000s. A substantial portion documents the work of the National Advisory Commission on Food and Fiber, including studies of global production, trade, rural development, nutrition and agricultural economics. Additional materials reflect Berg’s international consulting with the U.S. Agency for International Development and the Midwest Universities Consortium, as well as his leadership at SDSU in areas such as internationalization, faculty governance and institutional development. Together, the papers provide insight into mid-20th-century agricultural policy, global development initiatives and higher education leadership rooted in the land-grant tradition.

Joye Ann Billow Papers (UA 53.25)

The Joye Ann Billow Papers document the professional career, university service and personal life of Joye Ann Billow, professor of pharmaceutical sciences at South Dakota State University from 1972-2002. A medicinal chemist and licensed pharmacist, Billow was an influential faculty member in the College of Pharmacy and longtime adviser to the Chi Chapter of Kappa Epsilon, receiving multiple honors for her mentorship and leadership. The collection includes awards, correspondence, curricula vitae, publications, accreditation materials and records of campus governance activities, reflecting her contributions to pharmacy education, faculty development and university accreditation. Files also document her involvement in initiatives such as new faculty tours and community organizations including the Brookings Women’s Center, Domestic Abuse Shelter and hospice.

Personal materials form a substantial portion of the collection and include family correspondence, genealogical records, school memorabilia, photographs and scrapbooks documenting the Billow, Pierce, Herb and Lux families. The papers also preserve Billow’s postretirement artistic work, including original watercolors, ink drawings and sketches, along with documentation of her involvement in local arts organizations. Together, the collection presents a multifaceted record of academic leadership, community engagement, family heritage and creative expression.

Bruce Brandt Papers (UA 53.66)

The Bruce Brandt Papers document the academic career and professional activities of Bruce Brandt, Emeritus Professor of English at South Dakota State University, whose scholarly work focused on English Renaissance literature with particular emphasis on Shakespeare and related Renaissance authors. The collection reflects his teaching, research and service at South Dakota State University from the late 1970s through the mid-2010s. Materials include teaching files for undergraduate and graduate courses in Shakespeare, English Renaissance literature, drama, world literature, technical communication and European studies, consisting of syllabi, assignments, examinations, schedules and course outlines.

The papers also include records of faculty governance and service within the university, such as documentation of participation in the Academic Senate, College of Arts and Sciences committees, the European Studies Committee, and departmental and college tenure and promotion committees. Additional materials document conference participation, research activities, sabbaticals, academic reviews, awards and nominations, advising roles for student organizations and involvement in professional organizations, including the Marlowe Society of America. Correspondence, newsletters, vitae, writings and offprints of scholarly articles are also present.

Together, the materials document teaching, faculty governance and scholarly activity at South Dakota State University and provide evidence of the development of English and Renaissance literary studies within a public land-grant university during the late 20th and early 21st centuries.

Hilton M. Briggs Papers (UA 53.37)

Hilton M. Briggs served as president of South Dakota State University from 1958-75, the longest presidency in the institution’s history. During his tenure, the college became a university, academic divisions were reorganized into colleges, enrollment and facilities expanded significantly, and shared governance for faculty and students was strengthened. Briggs also supported the development of Greek life, women’s intercollegiate athletics, and guided the campus through the social and political changes of the 1960s and 1970s. After his retirement, he continued to serve the university through teaching and leadership of international agricultural programs.

The Hilton M. Briggs Papers document his presidency, retirement and professional activities through correspondence, administrative records, speeches, photographs, scrapbooks and memorabilia. The collection provides insight into a transformative period in SDSU’s history, highlighting institutional growth, academic leadership and Briggs’ national and international influence in agricultural education and research.

George Lincoln Brown Papers (UA 53.59)

George L. Brown was born Jan. 25, 1869, in Bates County, Missouri. He earned a B.S. from the University of Missouri in 1892 and later completed a M.S. in mathematics while serving as an instructor there. He pursued further graduate study at the University of Chicago, earning a Doctor of Philosophy degree in mathematics. In 1897, Brown was appointed professor of mathematics and astronomy at South Dakota State College. Over a career spanning approximately 50 years, he held multiple administrative positions, including dean and vice president, and served as acting president on five occasions. He was named president emeritus in 1944. Brown died Aug. 8, 1950.

The collection consists primarily of correspondence dated 1940 to 1950, including letters addressed to Brown in his capacity as president of South Dakota State University and other professional communications. Materials dating from 1944 to 1946 document commemorations of his long service and include letters and an image. The records reflect administrative responsibilities, professional relationships and institutional recognition during the final decade of his association with the university.

Robert V. Burns Papers (UA 53.19)

The Robert V. Burns Papers document the academic career, public service and policy leadership of Robert (Bob) Burns, longtime professor of political science and founding Dean of the Honors College at South Dakota State University. A 1964 SDSU graduate and decorated U.S. Army officer, Burns joined the SDSU faculty in 1970 and went on to teach for nearly four decades. Widely recognized for excellence in undergraduate education, he received multiple teaching awards, including designation as South Dakota Professor of the Year by the Carnegie Foundation. In addition to his academic roles, Burns served as department head, policy researcher for South Dakota governors and a leader in civic and educational organizations at the state and national levels.

The collection spans the late 1960s through the early 2000s and includes correspondence, commission reports, legislative materials, conference files, policy studies and public addresses. Significant components document Burns’s involvement in South Dakota’s Executive Branch Reorganization (1968-73), the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education, the National Commission on the Cost of Higher Education, and the 2000 NAFTA Conference on Canadian-U.S. agricultural trade. Additional files relate to constitutional revision efforts, judicial elections, higher education assessment and civic initiatives. Together, the papers provide insight into higher education reform, state governance and public policy development in South Dakota during the late 20th century, reflecting Burns’s enduring commitment to civic engagement and institutional leadership.

Matt Cecil Records (UA 53.23)

The Matt Cecil Papers document the research and scholarly work of Matthew Cecil, associate professor of journalism and mass communication at South Dakota State University and a specialist in media history and public relations. A 1995 graduate of SDSU, Cecil earned advanced degrees in history and mass communication before building an academic career focused on the relationship between government power and the press. His research centers on Federal Bureau of Investigation public relations practices during the J. Edgar Hoover era, particularly the FBI's efforts to shape media narratives, cultivate relationships with journalists and monitor news coverage.

The collection consists primarily of photocopied FBI case files obtained through the Freedom of Information and Privacy Acts, spanning 1918 to 2000, with the bulk dating from the 1930s to the 1970s. These files include memoranda, correspondence, surveillance reports, interviews, press releases and internal routing slips documenting FBI interactions with reporters, editors, publishers, broadcasters and media organizations. Many files contain standard FBI redaction sheets indicating withheld material under federal privacy and national security exemptions, and some photocopies are partially obscured, blurred or incomplete due to reproduction limits or water damage. Represented topics include Communism, McCarthyism, organized crime, smear campaigns and the Kennedy assassination. Together, the papers provide substantial primary source evidence for studying government-press relations, federal information control and media influence in 20th-century American political culture.

H.H. DeLong Collection (UA 53.82)

Henry DeLong was born Dec. 9, 1905, in Spink County, South Dakota. He earned a B.S. in agriculture from South Dakota State University in 1928, a second B.S. in agricultural engineering in 1938 and a M.S. in agricultural engineering from the University of Minnesota in 1941. DeLong’s professional career was closely associated with South Dakota State University, where he began as a student research assistant and advanced through the faculty ranks, serving as department head from 1946 to 1956 and retiring as professor emeritus in 1973. He was recognized at the Fifth Annual Distinguished Engineers Banquet at the university and became known for his work classifying rammed earth construction, developed in collaboration with R.L. Patty. DeLong died Nov. 22, 1988, in Brookings, South Dakota.

The H.H. DeLong Papers consist of research and professional materials related to rammed earth construction, with emphasis on agricultural and rural building applications. The collection includes bulletins, circulars, extension publications, engineering data, research reports, manuals, bibliographies and news articles dating from 1919 to 1988, with some later contextual material through 2011. Publications were issued by land-grant universities, federal and state agencies, and international organizations. Subjects addressed include soil composition, construction techniques, structural performance, housing design and related earthen building methods. Biographical materials, including clippings, honors, obituary material, a curriculum vitae and portrait photographs, document DeLong’s professional activities and recognition.

Jay Dirksen Papers (UA 53.28)

Jay Dirksen graduated from General Beadle High School in Madison where he won the State Class B Championship in the mile. He earned a bachelor’s degree in physical education in 1968 and a master’s degree in 1969 from South Dakota State University. From 1969 to 1977, he served as men’s cross country and track coach at SDSU and established a women’s cross country program. In 1977, he became assistant men’s track coach at the University of Illinois. He later served as head women’s track and field coach at the University of Missouri in 1982 before joining the University of Nebraska-Lincoln as head cross country coach and assistant head track coach for distance runners, a position he held for 29 seasons until his retirement in 2011.

The Jay Dirksen Papers document his coaching tenure at South Dakota State University from 1969 to 1977. The collection consists primarily of student-athlete files containing training records, correspondence, clippings, photographs and performance data related to individual runners. Additional materials include research files on cross country running dating from 1957 to 1981, with documentation of training methods, physiological data and performance evaluation, as well as compiled running articles from 1979 to 2008. The records document collegiate athletics at SDSU during the 1960s and 1970s and provide evidence of coaching practices and research related to distance running.

David B. Doner Scrapbook (UA 53.34)

David B. Doner (1895-1978) was a foundational administrator at South Dakota State University, serving the institution for 42 years. After graduating in the first four-year class of the School of Agriculture and serving in World War I, Doner held several leadership roles, including registrar, dean of men and director of admissions. He served under nine university presidents and was a key figure in alumni relations, acting as secretary of the Alumni Council and treasurer of the Alumni Association.

The scrapbook (1939-71) documents his career and civic service through newspaper clippings, certificates and black and white photography. The collection features images of university events and notable figures such as President Dwight D. Eisenhower and Sen. Karl Mundt. These materials provide a factual record of mid-20th-century university administration and Doner’s extensive contributions to the SDSU community.

James N. Dornbush Papers (UA 53.18)

The James N. Dornbush Papers document the professional life and environmental engineering work of James Norman Dornbush (1928-2012), professor of civil engineering at South Dakota State University and founder of Dorand Engineering Services. A native of South Dakota and an SDSC graduate (1949), Dornbush earned advanced degrees in public health and sanitary engineering before returning to Brookings in 1964 to join the SDSU faculty. His career focused on water pollution control, wastewater treatment and environmental protection across South Dakota and the northern Great Plains. In addition to teaching and research, he served as a consultant to municipalities, industries and tribal entities while remaining active in civic and professional organizations.

The collection contains reports, correspondence, laboratory data, blueprints, maps, technical studies and regulatory documentation spanning the late 1960s through the early 1980s. A substantial portion relates to environmental monitoring at the Big Stone Power Plant, including groundwater and surface water sampling, cooling pond analyses and Minnesota River studies. Records of Dorand Engineering Services document consulting projects involving wastewater systems, landfill assessments, aquifer protection and litigation support. Also included are academic materials such as lectures, student theses, conference files and professional publications. Together, these records provide a detailed account of regional environmental engineering practice during a period of heightened public concern over water quality and environmental regulation.

David Allan Evans Papers (UA 53.16)

The David Allan Evans Papers document the literary career and public service of David Allan Evans (1940-), poet, educator and longtime professor of English and writer-in-residence at South Dakota State University. After earning degrees from Morningside College and the University of Iowa and an MFA from the University of Arkansas, Evans joined SDSU in 1968 and became a central figure in the state’s literary life. In 1974, he became the first South Dakotan to receive a National Endowment for the Arts fellowship in creative writing. A prolific poet whose work frequently explores sports, rural life and Midwestern identity, Evans published multiple volumes of poetry and appeared in more than 60 anthologies. He later served as South Dakota’s first poet laureate from 2001 to 2015 and completed two Fulbright appointments in China.

The collection includes manuscripts, correspondence, reviews, publications, teaching materials and records of readings, workshops and literary festivals. Substantial documentation relates to his Fulbright residencies, Writers-in-the-Schools programs and public appearances across the region and internationally. Annotated drafts of poems, essays and short stories reveal his creative process, while press coverage and professional files trace his recognition, awards and influence as a mentor and cultural ambassador. Together, the papers illuminate the development of contemporary Midwestern literature and Evans’ enduring role in fostering poetry within both academic and public communities.

Norman Gambill Papers (UA 6.9.2)

Norman Paul Gambill was born April 3, 1941, in Dade City, Florida. He earned degrees from Emory University, the University of Iowa and Syracuse University, and he also attended Emory at Oxford. Gambill served as a professor of art history at the University of Illinois and at South Dakota State University, where he chaired the Visual Arts Department for 26 years before retiring in 2010. His teaching and research focused on art history and film studies, including Asian art, women artists, international cinema and 1930s American film. He published extensively and participated in national and international scholarly activities, including the Oxford Roundtable in 2010. Gambill died July 12, 2016, in Brookings, South Dakota.

The Norman Gambill Papers document his academic, administrative and scholarly career. The collection includes administrative files, curriculum and program planning materials, teaching files, grant and fundraising records, meeting files, research materials and manuscript drafts. Records relate to departmental governance, facilities planning, exhibitions, conferences and fundraising initiatives such as Evening for the Arts and DVAGI. The manuscript series contains annotated drafts of unpublished works, including "Ritz and American Mediocrity," "Designing Hollywood: Productions of Harry Horner," and his doctoral dissertation, "Citizen Kane: An Art Historical Analysis." The materials document faculty governance, curriculum development, scholarly research and arts programming within the university context.

Wayne Gardner Papers (UA 53.85)

Wayne Scott Gardner was born Jan. 11, 1920, and died April 19, 2014. He served three years in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II, including duty on Guadalcanal. After the war, he earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in botany and plant pathology from Utah State Agricultural College and worked as a civilian researcher for the U.S. Army and later for the U.S. Steel Corporation. In 1967, he completed a Ph.D. in plant pathology at the University of California, Davis, where his research focused on barley stripe mosaic virus and electron microscopy. Gardner joined South Dakota State University as an associate professor of plant pathology, where his teaching and research emphasized electron microscopy in the study of plant diseases. He retired in 1985.

The collection consists primarily of color slides and black and white photographs dating from 1952 to 1987, with strongest coverage from the 1960s through the mid-1980s. The materials document research and instruction in plant virology and plant pathology, with emphasis on wheat streak mosaic virus and other viral diseases affecting cereal and field crops. Visual documentation includes field symptoms, laboratory preparations and ultrastructural studies, as well as images of fungal and physiological plant diseases and environmental crop injuries. Teaching slide sets, seminar materials, reprints, correspondence and related literature document Gardner’s research activities and instructional use of microscopy in agricultural science.

F. Robert Gartner Papers (UA 53.21)

The F. Robert Gartner Papers document the career and research contributions of F. Robert Gartner, range scientist, educator and longtime leader in rangeland management in South Dakota and the northern Great Plains. Trained in range science at the University of Wyoming and the University of California, Berkeley, Gartner served in teaching, research and administrative roles at South Dakota State University and other institutions before becoming regional coordinator for the Society for Range Management. A specialist in plant ecology, fire ecology, range soils and range improvement, he played a significant role in advancing scientific approaches to grazing systems, prescribed burning and vegetation management across western South Dakota.

Spanning 1919 to 2007, with the bulk dating from the 1950s through the 1990s, the collection includes field data, site files, photographs, slides, manuscripts, extension publications and a large indexed research library of range and forestry literature. Materials document long-term studies at Wind Cave National Park, Custer State Park, the Antelope Range Field Station and numerous Black Hills ranches, reflecting applied research on fire effects, soil-water relationships, reclamation, wildlife interactions and range site classification. Together, these records provide a comprehensive resource on 20th-century range science, illustrating the integration of research, teaching and outreach in support of sustainable land management in the Great Plains.

William Gibbons Papers (UA 53.46)

William Ray Gibbons was born Jan. 5, 1958, in Winner and grew up in Brookings. He earned a B.S. in microbiology and chemistry in 1980, an M.S. in microbiology in 1982 and a Ph.D. in microbiology and agronomy in 1987 from South Dakota State University. Gibbons joined the faculty of South Dakota State University in 1987 as an assistant professor in the Department of Biology and Microbiology and was promoted to professor in 1997. He held several administrative roles, including associate director of the Center for Bioprocessing Research and Development, director of the South Dakota Oilseed Initiative and interim director of the South Dakota Agricultural Experiment Station. His research focused on applied microbiology and biotechnology, particularly the development of renewable fuels and value added products from agricultural biomass.

The collection documents Gibbons’ research on ethanol and related renewable fuel technologies from the late 1970s through the 2010s. Materials include scholarly articles, technical reports, feasibility and energy analyses, draft manuscripts, correspondence, datasets and visual documentation of laboratory and pilot plant operations. Draft and final versions of his master’s thesis and doctoral dissertation are present, along with conference papers, presentations and materials related to research dissemination. The collection also contains clippings, legislative testimony drafts and briefing materials addressing ethanol policy and renewable energy initiatives, as well as documentation of related research in biomass utilization and agricultural biotechnology.

Geoffrey and Sue Grant Papers (UA 53.32)

Geoffrey W. Grant joined the South Dakota State faculty in 1977 as a member of the Rural Sociology Department and later became an assistant professor. His teaching focused on social organization, social change, the family, juvenile delinquency, urban sociology and the sociology of work. Grant participated in Eisenhower Foundation-sponsored delegations to China during the 1980s to study crime prevention and criminal justice systems and later served as an SDSU faculty exchange professor at Yunnan Normal University in Kunming, China, in 2001. Sue S. Grant, an educator at SDSU, also participated in the 2001 exchange, teaching English courses during their residence in China.

The Geoffrey and Sue Grant Papers date from 1982 to 2018 and document their professional, scholarly and international activities. The collection includes correspondence, research files, draft manuscripts, delegation materials, printed reports, journals, schedules, photographs, digital media and email printouts. Records document visits to courts, prisons, reformatories, ministries and educational institutions in China and Southeast Asia, as well as observations of daily life in Kunming and other locations. A compact disc containing photographs, oversize color prints and contextual materials related to exchange programs and related transportation initiatives are also included. The papers document comparative criminal justice research, international academic exchange and sociological observation during a period of expanded engagement between the U.S. and China.

Charles F. Gritzner Papers (UA 53.29)

Charles F. “Fritz” Gritzner joined the South Dakota State University faculty in 1980 as a professor of geography and was active in geographic education at the state and national levels. He served in leadership roles with professional organizations including the National Council for Geographic Education and the Association of South Dakota Geographers and Planners, and he coordinated initiatives such as the South Dakota Geographic Alliance and the South Dakota Geographic Bee. His work encompassed university teaching, curriculum development, standards reform, teacher education and authorship of instructional and scholarly publications.

The Charles F. Gritzner Papers span 1871 to 2014 and document his teaching, research, professional service and outreach activities. The collection includes professional correspondence, activity logs, awards, organizational records, standards and curriculum materials, and extensive files related to the South Dakota Geographic Alliance and the South Dakota Geographic Bee. Also included are course materials, workshop and institute files, topical and regional research files, manuscripts, publishing records and slide collections used for instruction. The papers provide documentation of geographic education initiatives, standards development and instructional practice at SDSU and within broader professional networks.

N.E. Hansen Papers (UA 53.4)

The N.E. Hansen Papers document the life and scientific career of Niels Ebbesen Hansen (1866-1950), pioneering horticulturist, plant breeder and longtime professor at South Dakota State College. Best known for developing hardy fruits, grasses and forage crops adapted to the northern Great Plains, Hansen helped reshape regional agriculture through experimental breeding and international plant exploration. The collection spans the late 19th through mid-20th centuries and reflects both his laboratory research and his global expeditions in search of cold-resistant plant material.

The papers include extensive correspondence, field notebooks, ledgers, manuscripts, publications, plant specimens, photographs and travel documentation. Records from the South Dakota Agricultural Experiment Station detail Hansen’s work with alfalfa, clovers, grains and ornamentals, while expedition materials document plant introductions from Russia, Siberia, Turkestan, China and Manchuria. Travel logs, U.S. Department of Agriculture contracts, expense reports and photographic images illustrate the logistical and scientific scope of his explorations. Manuscripts such as his multipart “Russian as Observed by an Agricultural Explorer” offer commentary on agricultural systems abroad, while speeches and lectures trace his engagement with scientific and farming communities across the U.S. and internationally.

Correspondence with figures such as Luther Burbank, USDA officials and Soviet agronomist N.I. Vavilov highlights Hansen’s participation in global scientific networks. Biographical files, clippings and memorial materials document his public reputation as the “Burbank of the Plains.” Photographs of experimental plots, greenhouses and expedition sites, along with early journals from his student years, provide a rich record of his intellectual development and professional legacy. Together, the papers constitute a significant resource for the study of plant exploration, agricultural adaptation, land-grant research and early 20th-century scientific exchange.

A.S. Harding Papers (UA 53.5)

The A.S. Harding Papers document the life, scholarship and historical research of Albert Spencer Harding (1867-1952), longtime professor of history, political science, sociology and economics at South Dakota State University. A graduate of Dakota Agricultural College (receiving his B.A. in 1892) who later earned an M.A. from the University of Nebraska, Harding returned to Brookings in 1897 and remained on the faculty until 1943. Over a 54-year teaching career, he instructed nearly 12,000 students and later served as head of the History and Political Science Department. His enduring influence is reflected in Harding Hall and the Harding Distinguished Lecture Series, both established in his honor.

The collection spans 1893 to 1949, with some undated material, and consists primarily of research files compiled for Harding’s work on the history of South Dakota State College. Materials include correspondence, obituaries, newspaper clippings, bibliographic references, handwritten notes and drafts of historical narratives. His master’s thesis, “Contested Elections in Great Britain,” is also present, along with thematic writings on political science, party allegiance, student life, faculty lists and institutional finances. Harding incorporated and annotated research from contemporaries such as Robert F. Kerr and William H. Powers, reflecting a collaborative and cumulative approach to documenting university history.

Together, these papers provide valuable insight into the early institutional development of SDSU and the methods used to construct its historical record. The collection preserves working drafts, chronologies and primary source compilations that illuminate governance, academic evolution and student culture in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, making it an important resource for the study of university heritage and historiography.

J.P. Hendrickson Papers (UA 53.20)

The J.P. Hendrickson Papers document the academic career and public service of John P. Hendrickson, longtime professor and head of the Political Science Department at South Dakota State University. A World War II veteran and scholar of international relations and political science, Hendrickson joined the SDSU faculty in 1954 and served until 1988. He played a central role in developing the university’s curriculum in Canadian politics and government and earned recognition for outstanding teaching and civic leadership. Beyond the classroom, he became deeply involved in state and local governance, contributing to major reform efforts in South Dakota during the latter half of the 20th century.

Spanning 1885 to 2002, with the bulk dating from 1968 to 1998, the collection centers on Hendrickson’s work with the South Dakota Constitutional Revision Commission, the Citizens Commission on Executive Reorganization and related committees examining state structure and authority. Materials include draft constitutions, annotated amendments, commission minutes, testimony, correspondence, legal research and comparative constitutional analyses. The papers also document his authorship of the 1996 Brookings Home Rule Charter through working drafts, speeches and municipal records. Together, these records provide a comprehensive view of constitutional reform, state restructuring and local government development in South Dakota, while reflecting Hendrickson’s enduring influence as both scholar and civic leader.

Edward P. Hogan Papers (UA 53.17)

The Edward P. Hogan Papers document the career and public service of Edward Patrick Hogan, longtime geographer, educator and senior administrator at South Dakota State University. Born in St. Louis, Missouri, Hogan earned his B.S., M.A. and Ph.D. from Saint Louis University before joining the SDSU faculty in 1967. He developed and led South Dakota’s only geography program, serving as head of the Department of Geography (1973-91) and later in multiple administrative roles, including associate dean, assistant vice president for academic affairs and chief information technology officer. In 1991, he was named state geographer of South Dakota. His scholarship and public engagement focused on migration, rural development, geography education and demographic change in the Great Plains.

Spanning 1960-2014, the collection includes correspondence, administrative records, research files, publications, grant proposals, course materials, public testimony and documentation of the Center for Public Higher Education. The papers reflect Hogan’s leadership in academic planning, faculty development and efforts to expand higher education access, particularly in Sioux Falls. His research on youth out-migration, urban and rural planning, and regional identity provides valuable context for understanding demographic and educational change in South Dakota. Together, the materials document the growth of geography as a discipline at SDSU and Hogan’s influence on public policy, institutional development and civic life in the state.

Delmar R. Johnson Papers (UA 42.4)

Delmar R. Johnson was born July 17, 1947, in Mitchell. He earned a B.S. in mathematics in 1969 and a Master of Education in 1991 from SDSU. Johnson began his career at the university in 1969 as a programmer and taught mathematics and computer programming from 1969 to 1974. In 1982, he was appointed co-director of the computing center and later became director of University Computing Services. In 2003, he assumed the role of director of administrative and research computing, serving until his retirement in 2012. During his tenure, he oversaw the development and expansion of the university’s computing infrastructure.

The papers document his administrative leadership in university computing from 1982 to 2012. The collection consists primarily of correspondence, committee files, planning documents and meeting minutes related to computing capacity, instructional technology initiatives, network infrastructure development and universitywide technology planning. Materials document multiphase network upgrades, mainframe planning, integration of computing into research and extension services, and collaboration with campus advisory councils and external consultants. The records provide documentation of the growth, governance and administration of computing services at SDSU during a period of technological transition.

W. Carter Johnson Papers (UA 53.68)

W. Carter Johnson is a Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Ecology at South Dakota State University whose academic career spans more than 40 years. He earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from Augustana College and a doctorate in botany from North Dakota State University. He held appointments at Oak Ridge National Laboratory and Virginia Tech before serving as head of the Department of Horticulture, Forestry, Landscape and Parks at SDSU from 1989 to 1995. His research has addressed riparian forest ecology, prairie pothole wetlands, seed dispersal in fragmented landscapes, paleoecology and climate change, all of which has involved multidisciplinary and interinstitutional collaboration.

The W. Carter Johnson Papers document ecological research and professional activities from the 1960s through 2017, with the bulk of materials dating from the 1970s through the 2000s. The collection includes field notes, datasets, statistical analyses, research proposals, correspondence, conference materials, photographs, slides, maps and publications organized around major research themes. Subjects include blue jay mediated seed dispersal, forest dynamics and succession, prairie wetland hydrology and vegetation, and riparian vegetation studies along the Platte, Missouri and Snake rivers. Additional materials document restoration projects, international scientific exchange, and long-term ecological monitoring. The records provide extensive documentation of field research methods, modeling, data analysis and collaboration in late 20th and early 21st century ecological science.

Robert F. Kerr Papers (UA 53.6)

The Robert F. Kerr Papers document the life and career of Robert Floyd Kerr (1850-1921), an early faculty member and administrator at Dakota Agricultural College, now South Dakota State University. Educated at Wabash College and DePauw University, Kerr taught in Indiana and Japan before arriving in Brookings in 1885. At the college, he served as professor of political economy, principal of the Preparatory Department, librarian, dormitory manager, boarding club steward and adviser to the Dakota Agricultural Cadets. His career also extended into public service, including roles as private secretary to Gov. Samuel H. Elrod and as a member of the South Dakota Legislature. Active in civic organizations such as the Forum and the Masons, Kerr remained a prominent figure in Brookings until his death in 1921.

The collection, dating primarily from the 1880s through the 1930s, consists largely of correspondence, class records, diaries, scrapbooks, ledgers, maps and personal writings. Letters relating to Kerr’s dismissal from the college in 1892 provide insight into early administrative conflict and faculty relations. Also included are instructional records from 1885 to 1892, diaries from 1886 to 1888, historical writings on Brookings County and the college, marginal notes contributed to "History of SDSC: 1881-1931," and drafts of autobiographical reflections. Additional materials document his interests in regional history, public affairs and social issues.

Together, these papers illuminate the formative years of Dakota Agricultural College, offering evidence of early governance, instructional practices, student life and community engagement. Kerr’s records are significant for understanding the institutional development of South Dakota State University and the broader civic and educational landscape of late 19th- and early 20th-century South Dakota.

Frank Klock Papers (UA 53.69)

Frank Klock was born in 1950 in Sioux Falls. He earned a degree in photojournalism from South Dakota State University in 1973 and worked as a sports editor, writer and photojournalist for the Sioux Falls Argus Leader before joining the faculty at South Dakota State University as a professor of photography. During his tenure, he taught courses in basic photography, photojournalism and advanced photography and served as adviser to the Journalism Club. He also acted as a photo judge for professional organizations in South Dakota.

The Frank Klock Papers consist of ten CDs containing digital photographs taken in August 2009 documenting buildings and facilities across the SDSU campus. Images include academic, administrative, residential, athletic, cultural, agricultural and support structures, as well as buildings under construction or renovation. The photographs provide a visual record of the campus built environment at a specific point in time and document facilities use, architectural features and construction activity.

J. Howard Kramer Papers (UA 53.7)

The J. Howard Kramer Papers document the scholarly work and historical research of John Howard Kramer (1902-98), an educator and higher education leader whose career spanned more than five decades in South Dakota. Born in Canning and raised in Pierre, Kramer earned degrees from the University of South Dakota, the University of Iowa and Colorado State University. After serving as a teacher, debate coach, superintendent and college president at Southern State College and Northern State College, he joined South Dakota State University as professor and head of the Education Department and later returned as professor of education. He was ultimately named president emeritus of Northern State College and professor emeritus at SDSU.

The collection consists primarily of an unedited manuscript draft of Kramer’s book "A History of South Dakota State University, 1884 to 1975." Divided into two major sections covering the introduction through chapter 13, the draft preserves material that was later condensed or omitted from the published version. Also included are biographical sketches compiled by Kramer of SDSU presidents from George Lilley through Hilton M. Briggs, offering detailed perspectives on university leadership across nine decades.

These papers provide valuable insight into the institutional development of SDSU and into Kramer’s methodology as a historian of higher education. The manuscript and presidential biographies preserve contextual detail and interpretive commentary not found in the final publication, making the collection an important resource for researchers studying university governance, administrative leadership and the evolution of SDSU.

Ronald Larsen Papers (UA 53.80)

Ronald “Ron” Larsen (1946-2019) was a South Dakota resident, educator, agricultural advocate and political candidate. A graduate of South Dakota State University, Larsen was active in civic and agricultural issues during the 1980s and later became the Democratic nominee for the South Dakota State Senate in District 6 in 2004.

This collection documents Larsen’s public activities from 1983 to 2004. Materials include correspondence, donation letters, newspaper clippings, legislative and campaign records, proclamations and campaign ephemera. A significant portion relates to the “Give-A-Buck” initiative (1983-91), as well as agricultural advocacy efforts such as “Faith in Farming” and participation in the 1985 National Crisis Action Rally. The collection also contains South Dakota Senate campaign materials, nominations and declarations, legislative correspondence and items associated with Larsen’s campaign activities.

MaryJo Benton Lee Papers (UA 53.24)

The Mary Jo Benton Lee Papers document the academic career, outreach initiatives and diversity leadership of Mary Jo Benton Lee at South Dakota State University from 1987 to 2010. Trained in journalism and sociology, Benton Lee brought professional reporting experience and interdisciplinary scholarship to her work at SDSU, where she taught communication-focused courses within engineering, advanced diversity initiatives and fostered pathways to higher education for underrepresented students. The collection reflects her roles as educator, graduate assistant for the South Dakota Space Grant Consortium, diversity coordinator for the College of Engineering and co-founder of the SDSU-Flandreau Indian School Success Academy.

Materials include course records from Promotional Techniques for Engineers, featuring lecture notes, campaign materials, student publicity projects and documentation of nationally presented teaching models. Files from student-led initiatives such as trade fairs, ethics seminars and entrepreneurship workshops demonstrate applied communication training within engineering education. Personal and administrative records document recruitment and retention efforts for women and minority students in STEM, collaboration with tribal colleges and leadership development programming. Extensive documentation of the Flandreau Indian School Success Academy includes reports, evaluations and program histories illustrating long-term efforts to prepare American Indian students for college success. Together, the papers provide insight into innovative pedagogy, diversity programming and community partnerships in late 20th- and early 21st-century higher education at SDSU.

James K. "Tex" Lewis Papers (UA 53.33)

James K. “Tex” Lewis was born Oct. 24, 1924, in Waco, Texas. He earned a B.S. in animal science from Colorado State University in 1948 and a M.S. in animal science from Montana State College in 1951, and he later pursued graduate studies in range management at Texas A&M University. Lewis joined the faculty of South Dakota State University as a professor of animal sciences, where he specialized in range management and range livestock nutrition. His research was conducted primarily at the Cottonwood and Antelope Range Field Stations and focused on grazing systems, supplementation trials and range improvement studies. He retired from SDSU in 1985.

The James K. “Tex” Lewis Papers document his research and instructional activities in range science. The collection includes research data, field notes, correspondence, publications, photographs, teaching materials, proposals, reports and aerial imagery. Materials relate largely to long-term studies identified as Projects 216, 217, 239 and 421, which examined forage production, grazing systems, livestock weights, soil moisture and related environmental conditions at field stations and other sites in South Dakota. The papers contain observational and statistical datasets, climatological records, soil analyses and materials associated with simulation modeling, as well as documentation of collaboration with professional organizations and agencies. The collection provides evidence of mid-to-late 20th century range science research and instructional practice at SDSU.

James Marking Papers (UA 53.36)

Jim Marking (1927-2013) was a South Dakota coach and educator whose career shaped high school and collegiate basketball across the state. Born in Parkston, he served in the U.S. Navy before earning a B.S. in physical education from South Dakota State University in 1950. Marking began his coaching career at Hayti High School, where his teams captured the 1954 South Dakota Boys State Class B Championship, and later at Watertown High School, winning the 1959 Class A Championship. In 1960, he joined SDSU as assistant coach under Jim Iverson and was part of the staff that led the men’s basketball team to the 1963 NCAA Division II Men's Basketball Championship national title. As head coach from 1965 to 1974, Marking guided SDSU to four North Central Conference championships and five NCAA postseason appearances, retiring as the winningest coach in program history at that time. Over 24 years of coaching, he compiled 386 career victories and received numerous honors, including induction into multiple state and conference halls of fame. In 1974, Gov. Richard F. Kneip proclaimed “Jim Marking Day” in recognition of his achievements.

The Jim Marking Collection documents his professional activities as a coach and instructor from the mid-20th century through the 1970s, with later materials reflecting recognition of his career. The papers include instructional materials for health and physical education courses, practice notes, drills, playbooks, recruiting records, weight training programs and scorebooks. Additional materials consist of official programs, press clippings, team photographs, correspondence, retirement tributes and documentation of his hall of fame inductions. Together, the collection provides insight into basketball coaching methods, athletic program development and physical education instruction in South Dakota, while also contributing to the institutional history of SDSU athletics.

Steve Marquardt Papers (UA 53.84)

Steve R. Marquardt (born 1943) is an academic librarian and administrator whose career spans more than four decades in higher education. Born in St. Paul, Minnesota, he earned a bachelor’s degree in history from Macalester College and completed graduate study at the University of Minnesota, receiving master’s degrees in European history and library science and a doctorate in the history of modern France. Marquardt held professional positions at New Mexico State University, Western Illinois University and Ohio University before serving as director of libraries at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire and Northern Illinois University. In 1996, he was appointed dean of libraries at South Dakota State University, where he provided leadership in library administration and information services.

The Steve Marquardt Papers primarily document his research and advocacy concerning Cuba’s political system, human rights conditions and intellectual freedom. The collection includes reports and publications from organizations such as Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch and the United Nations, as well as U.S. government reports and scholarly analyses addressing Cuban politics, censorship, independent libraries and civil society. Materials also include writings and interviews related to Fulgencio Batista and Fidel Castro, documentation of political trials, and files reflecting Marquardt’s involvement in human rights and reconciliation initiatives in Brookings. Together, the papers provide valuable primary and secondary source material for the study of censorship, international human rights monitoring and the role of information professionals in global advocacy efforts.

Dave Martin Papers (UA 53.27)

In 1977, South Dakota State University sports information director David Martin participated in planning a goodwill basketball trip to Cuba in collaboration with Sen. George McGovern and Sen. James Abourezk and representatives from South Dakota State University and the University of South Dakota. After two years of effort, five SDSU men’s basketball players and five players from the University of South Dakota traveled to Cuba on April 4, 1977, accompanied by coaches, university officials, dignitaries and members of the press. The delegation competed against the Cuban National Basketball Team and met with Cuban officials during a four-day visit before returning to the United States on April 8, 1977.

The Dave Martin Papers document the planning, execution and outcomes of the 1977 trip and span the years 1975 to 1977. The collection includes correspondence, proposals, rosters, press lists, programs, newspaper clippings, posttrip reports, photographs and slides. Visual materials depict the basketball competitions, meetings with Cuban dignitaries and cultural activities in Havana and other locations. The records document the involvement of South Dakota institutions and elected officials in an international athletic exchange during a period of severed diplomatic relations between the U.S. and Cuba.

Ethel Austin Martin Papers (UA 24.1)

Ethel Austin Martin graduated from South Dakota State University in 1916 and completed graduate study at Columbia University and the University of Chicago. She served as an educator and later as director of nutrition services for the National Dairy Council from 1929 until her retirement. Over the course of her career, she authored nutrition textbooks, participated in professional organizations and contributed to national and international conferences. She maintained a longstanding relationship with South Dakota State University and established an endowment that led to the creation of the Ethel Austin Martin Program in Human Nutrition.

The Ethel Austin Martin Papers document her personal life, education and professional career. The collection includes correspondence, publications, autobiographical writings, oral history transcripts, photographs, awards, memorabilia and materials related to her academic training and professional service. Records also document her work with the National Dairy Council, her published writings and her involvement in professional associations and conferences. Additional materials reflect her relationship with South Dakota State University and her efforts to support nutrition education through the endowed chair. These papers support research on nutrition education, public health, women in science and the university’s institutional history.

John E. Miller Papers (UA 53.15)

The John E. Miller Papers document the life and scholarly career of John E. Miller (1945-2020), longtime professor of history at South Dakota State University and one of South Dakota’s most recognized historians. Born in Kansas and educated at the University of Missouri and the University of Wisconsin, Miller joined the SDSU faculty in 1974 and taught American history for three decades. A veteran of the Vietnam War and an active public scholar, he authored and edited numerous works, including studies of Laura Ingalls Wilder, Midwestern identity and American democracy. His honors include the South Dakota Board of Regents Research Award and the Herbert Schell Governor’s Award for History.

The collection includes correspondence, course materials, oral history interviews, manuscripts, research files, audiovisual recordings and born-digital media. A substantial portion documents Miller’s extensive research on Laura Ingalls Wilder and Rose Wilder Lane, alongside broader work on South Dakota politics, American political culture, small-town life and regional history. Interviews with figures such as George McGovern and other public leaders complement drafts, book proposals, conference papers and public presentations. Together, the papers reflect Miller’s role as teacher, historian and civic participant, preserving a significant record of Midwestern scholarship and public history in the late 20th and early 21st centuries.

A.L. Musson Papers (UA 53.8)

The A.L. Musson Papers document the professional career and international agricultural work of Alfred Lyman Musson (1911-90), professor and head of animal science at South Dakota State College and later associate director of the South Dakota Agricultural Experiment Station. A Connecticut State College graduate who earned advanced degrees from Iowa State University, Musson joined SDSU in 1952 after service in higher education and World War II, retiring as a lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Army Reserve. In addition to his leadership in animal science and agricultural administration, Musson later became active in genealogical research and historical societies.

The collection centers on Musson’s 1954 technical assistance trip to Somalia in East Africa and contains materials dating from 1950 to 1962. Included are correspondence with the U.S. Foreign Operations Administration, travel preparations and security clearances, photographs, slides, negatives, maps, notes, reports and scrapbooks with translated Italian captions. Analytical documents address Somali agriculture and water resources, including proposals for agricultural technical assistance and groundwater surveys. Musson’s field notes provide firsthand observations of environmental conditions, agricultural practices and cross-cultural engagement.

These records offer valuable insight into mid-20th-century international agricultural development and U.S. technical outreach during the early Cold War period. The materials document the logistical, scientific and diplomatic dimensions of foreign assistance programs and illustrate the role of land-grant institutions such as South Dakota State University in global agricultural research and policy initiatives.

Roberta K. Olson Papers (UA 53.41)

Roberta K. Olson served as dean of the College of Nursing at South Dakota State University from 1994 to 2013, guiding a period of sustained growth in enrollment, academic programming and professional engagement. During her tenure, entering undergraduate enrollment more than doubled and graduate enrollment increased significantly. The college expanded its academic offerings to include an online master’s degree program in 2002, a Ph.D. program in nursing in 2005 and a Doctor of Nursing Practice program in 2009, aligning the college with evolving national standards in advanced nursing education. Olson earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in nursing from South Dakota State University and completed a doctorate in higher education administration at Saint Louis University. Prior to her appointment at SDSU, she held faculty and administrative positions at the University of Kansas and the University of Texas-Houston. Her contributions to nursing education were recognized with the Sr. Bernadette Armiger Award from the American Association of Colleges of Nursing and induction into the South Dakota Nurses Association Hall of Fame in 2017. She returned to SDSU as interim dean in 2018.

The collection documents Olson’s leadership and the development of nursing education in South Dakota from the late 20th through the early 21st centuries. Materials include reports, correspondence, curriculum and program proposals, strategic plans, grant documentation, presentations, photographs, audiovisual media, and accreditation and legislative records. The records reflect the administration and expansion of undergraduate and graduate programs, including nurse practitioner and neonatal nurse practitioner programs, as well as the establishment of doctoral education in nursing. Also represented are statewide workforce initiatives, articulation and transfer agreements, institutional partnerships within the South Dakota public university system, and engagement with healthcare organizations and professional associations. The collection provides insight into higher education administration, health sciences program development and the evolution of nursing education and professional practice at South Dakota State University and across the state.

David F. Pearson Papers (UA 3.1)

The David F. Pearson Papers document the administrative career and institutional influence of David F. Pearson at South Dakota State University from the late 1950s through 1980. Pearson joined SDSU in 1957 as an assistant professor of economics after earning a law degree from the University of South Dakota and was appointed special assistant to the president in 1959. He continued teaching while assuming increasing administrative responsibilities, was promoted to professor in 1965 and was formally named vice president for administration in 1973. In addition to his administrative leadership, Pearson played a central role in directing the Greater State Fund, which later became the SDSU Foundation.

The collection consists primarily of correspondence and administrative files created during Pearson’s tenure as vice president for administration. Major subject areas include records related to the formation and activities of the F.O. Butler Foundation, documentation of the engineering controversy of the early 1970s concerning the proposed removal of the College of Engineering from SDSU and materials associated with planning and implementing the United States Bicentennial celebration on campus. Together, the records provide insight into university governance, fundraising and foundation development, institutional conflict and planning and campuswide commemorative activities during a significant period in SDSU’s history.

Phillip E. Plumart Papers (UA 53.35)

Phillip E. Plumart served on the faculty of South Dakota State University from 1961 to 1989 as a professor of animal science and Extension poultry specialist. Trained in poultry science at the University of Illinois and Kansas State College, he combined classroom instruction with Extension programming in poultry production and youth agricultural activities.

The Phillip E. Plumart Collection consists primarily of instructional and academic materials dating from 1950 to 1989 that document his education and teaching in poultry science. The collection includes binders of course handouts, lecture notes, quizzes, problem sets and typed instructional responses prepared for poultry management courses at Kansas State College in the early 1950s, as well as his 1952 master’s thesis on sex-linked feathering and chick growth. Later materials document his teaching at South Dakota State University, including course files for Poultry Management AS 366 and Extension-related records such as a County 4-H Member Record System user guide and publications of the National 4-H Poultry Development Committee. The collection provides documentation of poultry science curricula, applied research and Extension programming from the mid-to-late 20th century.

William H. Powers Papers (UA 53.9)

The William H. Powers Papers document the professional, scholarly and civic contributions of William H. Powers, librarian at South Dakota State College from 1905 to 1931. The collection consists primarily of handwritten manuscripts, draft writings and research notes related to the early institutional history of the college. Also included is general correspondence, letters exchanged with entomologist J.M. Aldrich and materials concerning the founding and development of the Brookings Public Library. Powers’ writings reflect his deep interest in preserving institutional memory and documenting significant figures and events in South Dakota’s educational history.

Additional materials illustrate Powers’ broader civic engagement and intellectual pursuits. The collection contains biographical sketches, commentary on college administration, documents related to the South Dakota Academy of Science and a small number of World War I-era items, including materials from the World Disarmament Committee and a 1917 anticonscription petition signed by faculty. Together, these records provide insight into early 20th-century academic life, library development and faculty involvement in local and national affairs.

Marilyn Richardson Papers (UA 53.11)

The Marilyn Richardson Papers document the career and lasting impact of Marilyn Richardson, who joined South Dakota State University in 1964 and played a central role in establishing dance as both an academic discipline and performing art on campus. Trained in speech, dance and theatre arts, Richardson built the university’s dance program from modest beginnings, teaching in temporary spaces before the construction of Frost Arena. She founded the Annual Student Dance Concerts in 1968, created a dance minor within the Health, Physical Education and Recreation Department in 1976, and introduced the Experimental Dance Concert in 1980. Her formation of the Motion Machine touring company further expanded performance and outreach opportunities, bringing dance to regional schools while providing students with professional experience.

Spanning 1957 to 1994, the collection includes correspondence, awards, programs, scrapbooks, publicity materials, photographs, slides and videocassettes documenting concerts, choreography, workshops and guest residencies. Administrative files reflect the development of the dance minor, student organizations, and curricular proposals, while visual materials capture rehearsals, performances and touring productions. Together, these records trace the institutional growth of dance at SDSU and highlight Richardson’s leadership in advancing arts education, student performance and community engagement during the late 20th century.

Charles L. Sewrey Papers (UA 53.10)

The Charles L. Sewrey Papers document the scholarly career and intellectual contributions of Charles Louis Sewrey, professor of history at South Dakota State University from 1947 until his retirement in 1974. Sewrey, author of "A History of South Dakota State College" (1959), taught American political, economic, cultural and diplomatic history while publishing widely in national intellectual and religious journals. The collection spans 1862 to 1973 and includes correspondence, manuscripts, course materials, collected publications, photographs and research files that reflect both his teaching and his sustained engagement with American religious and political thought.

The core of the collection centers on Sewrey’s research into anti-Catholicism, Protestantism on the frontier and the intersection of religion and public life in the U.S. Manuscripts include his master’s thesis, "The Protestant Minister in Frontier Minnesota" (1946), drafts of a substantial book-length study on anti-Catholic thought and writings on Cold War ideology, sectarianism and civic education. Supplementary materials such as Socialist Party literature, files on the Steven Truscott case, broadcast transcripts and assorted ephemera illustrate the breadth of his intellectual interests. Together, these papers provide insight into mid-20th-century historical scholarship, classroom practice and the role of a land-grant historian engaged in public discourse.

Joseph and Signe Stuart Papers (UA 53.65)

Joseph Martin Stuart (1932-2016) was an artist, museum director, curator and educator whose career bridged studio practice and institutional leadership. Born in Seminole, Oklahoma, and raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico, he served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War before earning bachelor’s and master’s degrees in art from the University of New Mexico. Over the course of his career, he held positions at the Roswell Museum and Art Center, the University of Oregon Museum of Art, the Boise Art Museum and the Salt Lake City Art Center, later serving as director of the South Dakota Art Museum at South Dakota State University and as professor of art history. Signe Margaret Stuart (born 1937), an accomplished artist and educator, studied at the Yale-Norfolk Art School and earned degrees from the University of Connecticut and the University of New Mexico. She joined the faculty of South Dakota State University in 1970 and taught art until 1994, later continuing her work as an independent artist in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Her career includes numerous exhibitions, publications and interdisciplinary performance projects, including the Badlands Intermedia Performance (1988-90).

The Joseph and Signe Stuart Papers document their professional careers, artistic production, teaching and institutional service from 1951 to 2020. Materials include lecture notes, course files, correspondence, writings, exhibition catalogs, interviews, awards, photographs, audiovisual media and administrative records. Joseph Stuart’s files reflect his work in art history instruction, museum administration, curatorial practice and service with regional and national arts organizations. Signe Stuart’s materials document her studio practice, exhibitions, design and color theory instruction, and civic engagement, with extensive records relating to the Badlands Intermedia Performance project, including scripts, sketches, music scores, stage plans and video documentation. Together, the papers provide significant documentation of art education, museum development, interdisciplinary performance and visual arts activity in South Dakota and the broader region during the latter half of the 20th century.

Alfred G. Trump, Jr. Papers (UA 53.39)

Alfred G. Trump Jr. (1907-94) served as librarian and later director of libraries at South Dakota State College, now South Dakota State University, from 1948 until his retirement in 1972. During his tenure, he guided the transformation of the college library from a modest 90,000-volume collection serving 900 students into a major research resource supporting a growing university with doctoral programs and expanded scholarly activity. A graduate of the University of Chicago and the University of Michigan, and a World War II Navy lieutenant, Trump brought broad professional experience in academic and public librarianship to SDSU. He remained active after retirement as Archivist Emeritus and contributed to the transition of collections into the Hilton M. Briggs Library. His career included leadership roles in state, regional and national library associations, reflecting his commitment to professional service and library development.

The Alfred G. Trump Papers consist primarily of commemorative and recognition materials dating from 1968 to 1981. Included are a 1972 retirement scrapbook containing correspondence, newspaper clippings and photographs, programs and certificates marking professional achievements, plaques recognizing his support of the university and participation in the President’s Club, and documentation of his completion of the University of Denver’s Annual Institute of Archival Administration in 1968. The collection also contains a 1981 proclamation issued by the Brookings City Commission designating Anne Trump Day, acknowledging the family’s civic contributions. Together, the materials document Trump’s professional standing, institutional leadership and the public recognition of his service to South Dakota State University and the broader community.

Vivian V. Volstorff Papers (UA 53.12)

The Vivian Volstorff Papers document the life and career of Vivian Virginia Volstorff, who joined South Dakota State University in 1932 and served as dean of women, director of student activities and professor of history. Educated at Northwestern University, where she earned her B.S., M.A. and Ph.D., Volstorff became a central figure in shaping women’s leadership and student life at SDSU. She founded chapters of Mortar Board and two national social sororities, established Women’s Day in 1934 as an annual celebration of women and scholarship, and advocated for accreditation efforts that strengthened professional opportunities for women’s organizations. Widely recognized as a speaker on international affairs and student issues, she maintained active involvement in state and national professional associations throughout her career.

Spanning 1904 to 2002, the collection includes administrative records from her tenure as dean of women, correspondence, speeches, manuscripts, photographs and extensive research files. Materials document student housing, campus governance, women’s organizations and her scholarly work, including drafts of "Winds of Change" and academic research on historical subjects. Subject files on education, morality, youth culture, international relations and SDSU history reflect her broad intellectual interests and institutional knowledge. Together, the papers provide rich documentation of women’s leadership in mid-20th-century higher education and the development of student affairs and campus culture at SDSU.

Robert T. Wagner Papers (UA 53.31)

Robert Todd Wagner was born Oct. 30, 1932, and earned a degree in philosophy from Augustana College in 1954. He later attended Seabury-Western Theological Seminary and subsequently earned a Ph.D. from South Dakota State University. Wagner joined the SDSU faculty in 1971 as an assistant professor of rural sociology and became widely known for his Marriage 250 course. He later served as assistant to the vice president for academic affairs and as vice president and chief administrator at Dakota State University before returning to SDSU as president from 1985 to 1997. During his presidency, the university experienced campus expansion, the addition of faculty positions, increased emphasis on technology, establishment of the College of Education and Counseling and construction of several facilities. In 2010, a campus building was renamed in honor of Robert and Mary Wagner.

The Robert T. Wagner Papers span 1971 to 1998 and document his academic and administrative career in South Dakota higher education. The collection includes biographical materials, correspondence, calendars, speeches, photographs, newspaper clippings, reports, certificates, newsletters, evaluations and files related to public events and institutional activities. Early materials reflect his teaching and service in rural sociology, while later records document his administrative roles and presidency, including travel, campus events and public representation of the university. Materials related to his retirement and designation as President Emeritus are also included. The papers document university governance, presidential leadership and institutional development during the final decades of the 20th century.

Richard C. Wahlstrom Papers (UA 53.26)

Richard C. Wahlstrom earned a B.S. in animal husbandry from the University of Nebraska in 1948 and completed a master’s degree and Ph.D. in animal nutrition at the University of Illinois. Following research with the Merck Institute of Therapeutic Research from 1951 to 1952, he joined South Dakota State College in 1952 as a faculty member in animal husbandry. He served as head professor beginning in 1959 and as head of the department from 1960 to 1967, returning as department head for the 1987 academic year. Wahlstrom was active in professional and community organizations, including the American Society of Animal Science, and received multiple honors during his career, including recognition as Distinguished Professor Emeritus in 1988.

The Richard C. Wahlstrom Papers consist of published articles, research reports, lectures, conference papers, technical bulletins, photographs and related materials documenting his work in animal science from the 1950s through the 1990s. The collection reflects research in swine nutrition, including studies of selenium toxicity and supplementation, dietary protein and amino acids, alternative feedstuffs, carcass composition, antimicrobial use, housing systems and feed additives affecting reproduction and health. Also included are speeches, award citations, departmental newsletters and correspondence. The papers document mid-to-late 20th century animal science research at South Dakota State University and provide evidence of institutional contributions to agricultural research and livestock management practices.